Cannington Chiro

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who Goes To a Chiropractor?

The answer is everyone from all walks of life. The common feature of chiropractic patients is that they wish to be proactive about their health and are sick of hearing
“it’s your age” or “learn to live with it”. The chiropractic patient participates in their return to health by exercising, concentrating on posture and correct spinal ergonomics.
They don’t tend to believe a tablet is going to realign a joint and do all the work.

Q: Is Chiropractic Safe?

Q: What has my spine got to do with the pain I’m in and how I feel?

The spine is the flexible, boney framework, which supports and protects the brain’s extension to the spinal cord. From the spinal cord, nerves pass through small openings between spinal bones (vertebrae) to the muscles, organs, bones and the skin. The nerves which make up the nervous system control and co-ordinate all organs and functions of the human body, helping to maintain natural balance. Because of the spine’s complexity and workload, its normal movements are easily disrupted. Falls, incorrect lifting, repetitive movements, faulty posture and even illness may cause disruption to the normal mechanics of the spine. These areas of abnormal alignment are called MISALIGNMENTS OR SUBLUXATIONS.
You don’t need to feel pain to have them.

Q: What Are Chiropractic Adjustments?

Chiropractors traditionally use a series of gentle manual manipulative procedures to realign spinal joints that aren't moving correctly. Some methods use the doctors hand, an instrument or a special drop table. There are many ways to safely and effectively adjust the spine. Dr Ivory will choose the technique that he feels will suit your personal requirements.

Q: What Is The Cracking Noise people tell me about?

The â€˜crackingâ€™ has nothing to do with the bones â€“ itâ€™s a noise created when the gas in small joints of the spine (the facets) expands as the joints are mobilised. This safe process helps stimulate synovial fluid production, which lubricates the spinal â€˜facetsâ€™. There are different types of techniques that Dr. Ivory can use in most circumstances and some do not involve an audible sound. If the noise is of concern, why not discuss this with Dr. Ivory and see if an alternative technique may be appropriate.

Q: How Long Does It Take For Chiropractic To Work?

Results vary depending upon many factors. How long have you had your problem? Do you keep your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Are you in otherwise good health?

Within a short period of time patients experience enough progress to know they are receiving the right treatment and are benefitting from our recommendations.

Q: Why Do I Feel Better After a Chiropractic Adjustment One-Day And The Next Time It Doesn't Feel As Good? How Do I Know Thats Right?

Healing is a process. As spinal flexibility improves Dr. Ivory will be able to move those primary subluxations that have been stubborn to release in the past. As some of these misalignments may have been present for months or even years some stiffness and tenderness may be noted. This will be short term and is a sign of progress.

Q: I Am Not Suffering Pain. Should I Still Have A Check-Up?

Yes, just as you regularly see your dentist for your teeth or service your car, so you should have your spine checked on a regular basis.

Q: How Often Should I Get A Spinal Adjustment?

The answer is as soon as you develop spinal nerve stress. Since spinal nerve stress is often painless, it's good to get your spine checked periodically, as you get your teeth checked periodically for painless cavities.

Q: My GP Said There's Nothing Wrong With My X-Rays

Chiropractors' tertiary education includes a major in spinal x-ray diagnosis. As specialists in neck and back care, we concentrate on the study of spinal bio-mechanics the knowledge of the correct curves and angles that the spine should have. Spines are like teeth. It is often a case that the teeth are OK however the gums which support the teeth are damaged. With spines, the vertebrae (bones) may be OK; however the ligaments and muscles are damaged. This often shows up on x-ray as a misalignment or subluxation which the GP is not trained to detect.

How Long Does It Take To Get Better?

With the exception of sudden, most spinal problems develop slowly over time and have often deteriorated noticeably before the commencement of treatment. It makes sense then, that the repair and healing required to reverse this trend also takes time.

A critical part of your care involves the strengthening and re-training of the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. In the same way as you can't get in shape with a single workout at the gym, one visit at the Chiropractors' won't work either. It is in the repetition that retains the spine to get back 'in line' over time.

What's In A Spine?

The human spinal column usually consists of 33 vertebrae. There are 24 moveable vertebrae segments separated by discs. The moveable vertebrae are divided into three groups: there are generally seven cervical vertebrae in the neck (C1-C7), twelve thoracic vertebrae in the upper-mid back (T1-T12) and five lumbar vertebrae in the lower back above the pelvis (L1-L5). The lower nine are fused; five in the sacrum and remaining four in the coccyx.

The vertebrae of the spine align so that their canals form a hollow, bony tube to protect the spinal cords it extends from the brain towards the pelvis. The spinal cord is 40 to 50cm long and 1 to 1.5cm in diameter. Between the vertebrae are small spaces that allow nerve roots to exit on each side. These nerve roots join up further along to form spinal nerves which exit the spinal cord and connect to the various regions of the body.

The spinal cord is the 'information highway of the body.' Messages are sent back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body. This information includes touch, temperature, pain, joint position and signals telling muscles to move. In order for a message to go from the brain to the body, the message; or impulse, is passed from neurone to neurone. This process continues until the message reaches its' final destination, (Muscle, Organ or Gland).

Your spinal cord is the most important structure between your body and your brain, providing a vital link of information between the two. One of the jobs of the spinal column is to protect this vital link so the rest of the body can work efficiently and effectively. Your spine really is your lifeline so make sure you take care of it today!

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The answer is everyone from all walks of life. The common feature of chiropractic patients is that they wish to be proactive about their health and are sick of hearing
“it’s your age” or “learn to live with it”. The chiropractic patient participates in their return to health by exercising, concentrating on posture and correct spinal ergonomics.
They don’t tend to believe a tablet is going to realign a joint and do all the work.